‘On the right track’ with £15m Portstewart hotel application

A decision on plans for a major hotel and spa complex in Portstewart is expected early in the new year.

It follows submission to Causeway Coast and Glens Council of a full application for the four-star development, which is expected to create around 100 new jobs and be open in time for the 2019 Open Golf Championships.

Scottish-based C&V Developments is seeking persmission to build adjacent to the North West 200 paddock in Porstewart.

It follows a public consultation event back in June where strong support was received from local people.

The complex envisages 119 bedrooms plus bridal suite. The proposals also include luxury leisure facilities, visitor centre and offices for the North West 200 and a demonstration restaurant, holiday cottages and conference and banqueting facilities.

The project is estimated to represent over £15 million worth of construction investment and bring £5.6 million annual visitor spending into the local economy.

Vivienne Gilholm of C&V Developments said: “We have worked extremely hard over the last year with the team to bring this project forward and to a key milestone in the submission of the detailed planning application.

“It follows extensive consultation with organisations, such as, the North West 200 together with the wider public. The interest and support received has really been quite overwhelming giving us the comfort that we are on the right track.

“The demand for this type of facility, to us, is abundantly clear and will be even more so on the run up to the Open returning to Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2019. We hope this development will go some way in servicing the vast demand that will soon to be visiting in less than three years time.

“We also feel that by having the leisure and spa facilities on offer all year round local residents can also enjoy what will be on their door step. We will continue to work with all those interested in our plans and, planning permitting, look forward to delivering the project in the not too distant future.”

Commenting on the application, Mervyn Whyte MBE of the North West 200 said: “The event has a proven track record in attracting international visitors to the region, it’s fantastic to see top-drawer accommodation being available in the future.”

The application will go through the consultation process over the coming weeks with a decision anticipated early in 2017.